Test match rugby demands courage, control, and composure. So does growing up on a farm in rural Ireland. For Edel McMahon, one world helped prepare her for the other.
Farming life is full of unexpected challenges, and Edel sees clear parallels with the pressures of elite sport. “You have to show up, even when you don’t want to. You’ve got a plan for the day, and then a pipe bursts, or the cows are out of the gate. It’s chaos. And that’s Test rugby too.”
That mix of structure and unpredictability is something Edel understands well. As a back row player, she plays in one of the most demanding positions on the field, where high involvement, physicality, and decision-making all collide. You need power, repeatability, and the ability to adapt when things don’t go to plan. This is where Edel thrives – thriving in chaos, grounded by her preparation, and confident in her ability to respond.
Now a senior international and a World Cup veteran, she knows what it takes not just to perform, but to recover and show up consistently at the highest level.
Credit: Ireland Rugby Football Union
Performance backed by curiosity
Edel’s interest in performance goes well beyond what happens on the pitch. A trained biochemist, she brings a scientific mindset into everything she does – from her recovery strategies to the supplements she chooses to include in her routine.
“I’m curious,” she explains. “If someone’s using a new supplement or tool, I want to know the research. Is it backed by science, or just word of mouth? I need to understand how and why it works, especially if I’m going to rely on it in my preparation.”
That desire to understand and optimise carries through to her daily habits. She listens to her body, adjusts when needed, and stays focused on what actually helps her feel and perform better, rather than simply following trends. “It’s about what makes me feel good, what gives me energy, and what helps me recover faster. That’s what really matters.”
Lessons learned through setbacks
Like many elite athletes, Edel has gained some of her most valuable insight through the experience of injury. “Injuries force you to understand your body better,” she says. “You try everything to get that one percent edge. That’s when I first came across BFR. It helped me in rehab, but it also changed the way I thought about recovery overall.”
Credit: Ireland Rugby Football Union
Working in the equine industry added another perspective. Seeing how elite racehorses were cared for – through structured nutrition, targeted recovery, and injury prevention – made her reflect on what more she could apply to her own training.
“I saw what top-level sports horses were given, like glucosamine, structured recovery and performance nutrition. I thought, why wouldn’t I apply the same principles to myself?”
Recovering smarter with BFR
Today, Edel uses Performance BFR as part of her regular recovery routine. It’s not something she saves for rehab – it’s a tool she uses to stay consistent, support recovery, and stay ahead.
“I use Hytro on the bike for 20 minutes in the morning,” she says. “If I can, I focus on nasal breathing. It’s such an easy way to get a pump, flush the legs, and get going for the day.”
She uses it throughout the week, whether she’s travelling, preparing for matches, or unwinding afterwards. Even while packing her kit bag, she makes use of short recovery protocols like 5-2-5-2 to keep her body feeling fresh. “It’s great when access is limited. You might not have a bike or a cold plunge, but you’ll always have your shorts. It’s a simple way to stay consistent.”
Edel also adapts her approach based on where she is in her menstrual cycle. It’s one more example of how she trains smart and tailors her routine to what her body needs. “In Phase 3, I really feel it. That’s when I’ve picked up injuries before. So that’s when I’ll switch to BFR. There’s less load, but the same adaptation. It just makes sense.”
Hytro is designed for athletes like Edel – those who are built to outperform, and who want to train smarter, recover quicker, and optimise the programme they already have. It's practical, portable, and fits easily into a training schedule or travel bag, whether you’re at home, in camp, or heading to a tournament.
Consistency, connection and culture
With tournament rugby on the horizon, Edel’s focus is on maintaining the small daily actions that allow her to perform at her best – while also investing in the connections that keep the team strong.
As a group, the players write down their schedule each evening and reflect on what they need to get the most out of the day ahead. That might be extra gym work, a technical focus, or simply ten minutes with a teammate. All of it matters.
“There are performance markers, both on and off the pitch. But it’s more than that. Sometimes the most important thing is taking ten minutes to chat to someone and check in. That’s just as valuable as any extra physical work.”
Credit: Ireland Rugby Football Union
The culture in the squad is built on honesty and shared accountability. There’s no need for rules when everyone holds each other to the same high standards. “There’s trust. There’s honesty. And if someone’s not living by the values, we call it out. Those hard conversations make us stronger.”
Setting standards and sharing knowledge
As one of the more experienced players in the squad, Edel leads by example. She believes that asking questions and seeking clarity helps everyone improve – and that no one should simply go through the motions without understanding the purpose behind their actions.
“We ask questions. We want clarity. That helps everyone. If someone doesn’t understand why we’re doing something, they won’t fully commit. But if you explain it, they’ll push themselves even further.”
That same approach applies to recovery tools like BFR. Edel knows that using the right tools at the right time can be the difference between staying ready and falling behind. “It’s not enough to just have the shorts. You need to know when to use them, where they fit in your day, and why they help. Once players understand that they’re completely on board.”
Built to Outperform
Edel McMahon’s story is one of resilience, structure, and relentless curiosity. She’s not just built to perform. She’s built to adapt, to lead, and to raise the standard for herself and others.
Because outperforming isn’t just about winning the next collision, it’s about turning up, doing the work, and making smart decisions that support long-term success. Whether it’s under stadium lights or out chasing cattle on the farm, Edel is ready for whatever the day throws at her.
And with Hytro in her corner, she’s able to train smarter, recover better, and stay one step ahead – wherever the game takes her.
Power. Recovery. Repeatability. Bring BFR to your training or the whole squad.
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